International Society for Industrial Ecology

Fully funded PhD - Cities, Climate Change Strategies, and Natural Resources I have a PhD opportunity with ONE Planet in Cities, Climate Change Strategies, and Natural Resources . Cities worldwide and in the UK develop local climate plans (Salvia, 2021). Climate actions require large amounts of natural resources (e.g., sand, aggregates, lithium, cobalt) that should be sourced sustainably (Heidrich, 2022). To ensure effective local climate plans and avoid unintended consequences, such as trade-offs between infrastructure and resources, assessment methodologies like Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis need to be developed to analyze the impacts of these strategies (Baars, 2021; Heidrich, 2022). The student will evaluate the impact of city climate change strategies on infrastructure and natural resources. Collaborating with cities like Newcastle, Manchester, and North Tyneside, the study will assess whether local climate plans effectively reduce GHG emissions and help cities adapt to climate change without compromising natural resources or geopolitical relationships. The research will consider sectors under the control of Local Authorities (direct influence) and Scope 3 emissions. The student will acquire innovative natural and social science tools, including GHG accounting methodologies, geospatial tools, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Material Flow Accounting (MFA), and network-based interview and analysis methods. The study aims to advance quantitative and qualitative measures of the perceived risks and values associated with climate change adaptation and mitigation infrastructures and natural resource management. Research methods will include strategy analysis, emission and resource accounting (Research Questions 1 & 2), infrastructure mapping and LCA (RQ3), calculating mitigation impacts such as GHG accounting linked to the Tyndall Carbon Calculator (Manchester University), and assessing adaptation efforts like flood defenses (RQ3 & 4). Additionally, a risk matrix will be developed and applied for RQ5. References: Salvia, et al. (2021). Will climate mitigation ambitions lead to carbon neutrality? Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews. Heidrich, O. (2022). LAYERS: A Decision-Support Tool to Illustrate and Assess the Supply and Value Chain for the Energy Transition. MDPI. Baars, J., & Heidrich, O. (2021). Circular economy strategies for electric vehicle batteries reduce reliance on raw materials. Nature Sustainability.

Python Developer (with environmental sustainability focus) The role We are looking for a Python developer to a) work on building and improving our environmental impact assessment models and b) help us integrate our model libraries with existing tools that farmers and food companies use. These models are supporting farmers and food companies to reduce their environment impacts at the global level. From 2024 we will be conducting an international experiment to assess how much our models - integrated into farm tools - reduce the environmental impacts of farms, enabling us to quantify the effects we are having. Hestiais a scientific University-based project, focused on developing the underlying science and technology to shift the global food system towards greater environmental sustainability. This role is for an 18 months self-employed/freelance consultancy contract initially, with the option for renewal. Responsibilities&Duties Write and maintain environmental models written in Python. Support other software needs across the Hestia stack in Python. Build reliable and resilient software. Anticipate scalability and performance issues. Ensure code quality through tests, in accordance with good practices; Participate in code reviews. Be a force of technical and functional proposals. Essential skills and experience: Expertise in Python. Experience with environmental modelling (particularly using Life Cycle Assessment) or a desire to develop industry-leading knowledge in this area during the project. Desirable skills and experience: Experience with Gitlab CI-CD. Why work on the Hestia project? Mission:Our project aims to reduce the environmental impacts of the global agricultural system through science, data, and technology. Your abilities in these areas will directly contribute to helping solve environmental and food security challenges. Team:You will work with environmental scientists and software developers in a world leading University. You can find out more about our team on theOxford Martin School website. Collaborations:We collaborate with different departments in the University, with agricultural research organisations, and with businesses in the food supply chain. Flexibility:We are based at the Oxford Martin School in the centre of Oxford, but many of our team work remotely across Europe. International Projects:Our projects involve partnerships with international organisations and field trials in countries worldwide. Long-Term Funding:We have been funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) since 2019, and are now funded by the Login5 Foundation, WWF, DEFRA, Wellcome Trust, and Ardevora Charitable Trust. Our research:Data and methods underpinning Hestia were published in Science in 2018, and these data have been widely used by the media (e.g. the BBC, New York Times, and the Guardian), in policy documents (e.g. the IPCC's 6th Assessment Report and the UK's National Food Strategy), by NGOs (e.g. WWF and the WRI), and by Our World in Data. Our team's research has been published in Nature, PNAS, BMJ, Biological Conservation, amongst other journals. Some industrial ecology candidates that are on the job market Yang Guo National University of Singapore

PhD position: ESRC White Rose DTP Studentship - Exploring the socio-ecological potentials of essential provisioning systems in OECD nations The Economic and Social Research Council is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training relating to social and economic issues. The University of Leeds is part of the ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership forming a collaboration between the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Sheffield Hallam, Hull and Manchester Metropolitan. These social science studentships are available to UK and international (including EU) applicants in seven named Thematic Interdisciplinary Training Pathways and can be held full-time or part-time for the following award types: +3.5 programme: funding for a 3.5-year PhD. Typically, applicants with a social science Masters degree and with 60 or more credits (or equivalent) of M-level social science research training are those most likely to benefit from this option. +3.75 programme: funding for an integrated PGCert/PhD. Typically, applicants with a social science Masters degree, but who have not undertaken core research training are those most likely to benefit for this option. 1+3.5 programme: funding for a 1 year Masters programme, followed by the 3.5 year PhD. Typically, applicants without a social science Masters degree are those most likely to benefit from this option. An ESRC White Rose DTP Collaborative Studentship is available in the School of Earth and Environment, with the project title'Exploring the socio-ecological potentials of essential provisioning systems in OECD nations'. ESRC Pathway: Space, Place, Environment and Liveability (SPEL) Closing Date for Applications: 17:00 (UK Time) 14 March 2025 This project tackles the critical challenge of aligning human need satisfaction with ecological sustainability. Research highlights the importance of collective provisioning systems (CPS) in essential sectors -such as education, housing, healthcare, transportation and utilities -in meeting societal needs (eg health and social participation). CPS, organised through public, community, or cooperative arrangements, prioritise social equity and universal access over individual payment ability. Studies link CPS to improved well-being and reduced environmental impacts, eg through shared infrastructure and economies of scale. However, empirical evidence on CPS's ecological effects, as well as on successful implementation conditions, remains limited. Research Question 1: How does the mitigation potential of CPS in emissions and resource use in OECD nations compare to individualised, privatised, or market-driven systems across essential sectors? Research Question 2: Which design and governance principles enable CPS to minimise resource use and emissions while ensuring inclusive, adequate need satisfaction, and how can these principles inform policy and practice? OECD countries, responsible for 36% of global consumption-based emissions in 2022 (57% in 1990) must drive transformative change. This project contributes by focusing on: CPS's mitigation potential compared to individualised/market-driven systems in OECD nations across essential sectors. Design and governance principles for socio-ecologically ambitious CPS and strategies to integrate these principles in policy formation. A systematic narrative review will be followed by a Quantitative Analysis (including Input-Output Analysis and multivariate regression) and a Qualitative Analysis (in-depth case studies) leading to the development of policy recommendations. A 3-month Research in Practice placement will be provided at the New Economics Foundation (NEF), providing an immersive experience of think tank working and skills in strategic policy communication. This project integrates ecological economics, social policy, urban and regional planning, and governance studies. Partnering with NEF ensures effective bridging of research, community innovation and policymaking, fostering transformative impacts. Duration of the Award: 1+3.5 Studentships: Full-time (4.5 years) or part-time (7 years 10 months); +3.5 Studentships: Full-time (3.5 years) or part-time (5 years 10 months); +3.75 Studentships: Full-time (3 years 9 months) or part-time (6 years 3 months). Full-time awards will be made for one year in the first instance and will be renewed each year, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Part-time awards will be made for 24 months (two calendar year) in the first instance and will be renewed each year, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Funding The award will cover fees at standard Research Council rates; A maintenance grant (£20,780in Session 2025/26for full-time study, pro-rata for part-time study). This amount increases per annum in line with the Research Council UK rate announced on theUKRI website Research Training Support Grant, which covers travel and research costs during the PhD part of the award -variable amount depending on the scheme, plus other allowances where applicable; Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students (including EU) to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. Other Conditions Applicants applying on both a 1+3.5, +3.5 and +3.75 basis MUST in the first instance apply for a place on a research postgraduate programme and be in receipt of a Student ID Number to be eligible for an ESRC White Rose DTP Studentship. Applications without a valid ID Number will be rejected; +3.5 and +3.75 awards must be taken up on 1 October 2025; 1+3.5 awards must be taken up in September 2025; Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Studentship; All WRDTP programmes include an integral 3-month 'Research in Practice' placement as standard; After a School selection process, applicants will be informed as to whether they are being nominated for an ESRC WRDTP Studentship. The White Rose Academic Quality Committee will review the nominations and decide on the final list of awards. The University will use the data provided in the application form for internal selection and statistical purposes and publish the names of the successful applicants within the University. The final outcome is expected towards the end of April 2025. How to apply Stage 1 First of allapply for a research programme of study by completing the application form. You should clearly state that you are wishing to apply for the ESRC WRDTP Collaborative Studentship and give the project title - 'Exploring the socio-ecological potentials of essential provisioning systems in OECD nations'. In order to be considered for the studentship, you must submit all the required supporting documents for your application of study (listed on the website for the School/Faculty) in which you are applying to study. Before completing the studentship application form, you are strongly advised to read theGuidance for Applicants andAssessment Criteria , which provide further information about how to complete the form and how your application will be assessed. After receipt of your Studentship application, the relevant Admissions Team will provide further advice on your suitability for either a 1+3.5, +3.5 or a 3.75 studentship and advise whether you should undertake the MA Social Research (Interdisciplinary) programme. As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. Entry requirements Applicants must meet the entry requirements of their nomination School - for the School of Earth and Environment, see The ESRC also stipulates that for all studentships, students must have qualifications of the standard of a good honours degree at first- or upper second-class level, from a UK academic higher education institution, or through a combination of qualifications and/or experience, be able to demonstrate equivalence. In the majority of cases, students will have undertaken an undergraduate course at a recognised UK higher education institution or equivalent international qualification. Prior qualifications may be enhanced to meet these requirements by the acquisition of at least one satisfactorily completed academic year of full-time study or its part-time equivalent towards a UK higher degree, if applying for an award without an undergraduate degree. Applicants must satisfy the nominating School's entry requirements AND the ESRC's minimum threshold. Applicants with a background in Ecological Economics; Politics, Philosophy and Economics; Political Economy; Social Policy; Urban and Regional Planning; and Governance Studies are particularly encouraged to apply. The University of Leeds minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing . click apply for full job details

Salary: D/S2 salary is £41,344 to £45,479 (depending on skills and experience) A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution - on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full-time - 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, but this role does require regular onsite attendance) Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham Closing date: Monday 13 January 2025 About the role We are undertaking important research exploring how to build a circular economy for mineral raw materials, including technology metals crucial to the UK economy. We lead the development of a UK technology metals observatory (), and as part of this, we develop stocks and flows models for a range of technology metals. Our focus on sustainable development in the minerals sector requires growing this work to cover a range of mineral raw materials. We are seeking a suitably experienced material systems researcher to supplement the existing research team. The key duties/responsibilities of the role will include: Assist with the development of system dynamics models and towards the future development of the technology metals observatory. Collate, process and analyse a range of physical, environmental, economic and social data associated with mineral raw materials to enable a comprehensive view of the resource/environmental/socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the UK, and opportunities for interventions through circular economy and sustainability strategies. Collaborator engagement to generate new data and information essential for the modelling work, and to assist with scientific reports and peer-reviewed journal papers. Presentation of the work to key project partners and collaborators in government and industry, and at UK and international conferences. About you Do you have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post-qualification experience, or a PhD in a related field (for example geology, industrial ecology, sustainable resource management)? Previous experience in working with mineral raw material and technology metals is highly desirable. You will provide the expertise required to develop material flow analysis (MFA) models for mapping the stocks and flows of mineral raw material value chains within the UK. The work will be mostly UK-based but there will likely be opportunities to travel for research purposes (e.g., partner engagement, conference attendance). As part of a larger community of researchers and geoscientists in BGS and project partner organisations, you will be expected to share your knowledge and help with the development of new research ideas and projects. In addition, you will possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Please note - you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment. The additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at Shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I). Educated to 2:1 in a relevant degree (e.g., in geology, industrial ecology, sustainability or life cycle analysis) and have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post-qualification experience or a PhD in a subject relevant to the post (S) Completion of material flow analysis (MFA) modules as part of undergraduate or postgraduate degree PLUS applied knowledge of MFA arising from use in project/thesis work (S) Experience in developing stocks and flows models (including material flow analysis, input-output analysis) as well as experience in collating, processing, analysing data on materials flows and modifying models accordingly (S&I) A record of accomplishment of scientific writing and publication in peer-review journals and technical reports (S&I) Knowledge of the concept of the circular economy (CE) and knowledge in system dynamic modelling (S&I) Knowledge in using design and visualisation tools e.g., Sankey diagrams (I) Ability to work within a variety of teams, with an interest to engage with specialists from other areas (S&I) You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I) Experience in working with technology metals and experience in life cycle assessment (S&I) Experience in conducting collaborator engagement and structured interviews for collating new data (I) Knowledge of python programming and in using software packages for system dynamic modelling (I) About us The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world-leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts. We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022. How to apply Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process. A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV. The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 13 January 2025 . Interviews are expected to be held in late January 2025 in Nottingham.